Resources for Information Skills
Section contents page Introduction Choosing the right tool for the job Search engines When to use information gateways and specialist databases Google Access to the invisible web Google development How to get the best out of Google Why not always Google? Other search engines Meta-search engines Why use a directory? Overview Summary
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Why use a directory?

Directories are well organised indexes of Web sites that allow the user to browse by topic in search of relevant information. It is normally compiled and maintained manually by humans rather than computer robots. Basically, there are two types of directories: academic and subject directories created by subject specialists, and more commercial directories provided as a paid subscription.

You may best use a directory or information gateway if:

  • You are starting to research a topic
  • You are searching information on a specific topic
  • You want high quality sites scholar information
  • You want to browse to see what is available on your topic
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    The following questions must be asked to yourself, when choosing which directory to use:

    • Who selects the material? What subject qualifications do they have?
    • How is it arranged? By topic, by a classification system, alphabetically?
    • What criteria are used to select material? Can you rely on the authority of what you are reading? Is it updated?
    • Does it include useful annotations evaluating the material, or is it purely descriptive?

    Sites included in information gateways have been selected, often by librarians, as authoritative, comprehensive and useful sites in particular subject areas. Search engines provided by the gateways do notsearch the whole web but just the resources selected. Therefore, there are far fewer hits to scan, which is more effective for browsing. Because they are selective they do not include everything so you may need to search elsewhere if you have a very specific need.

    The best subject gateways are all listed on the Pinakesweb page. Most subjects will have a relevant Intutegateway, and these are well respected academic sources.

    There are hundreds and thousands of directories on the World Wide Web, but to choose an suitable subject directory for your search can be difficult and hard.

    These are some of the commonly used directories